Recognising Sepsis

The clinical diagnosis of sepsis may be obvious, such as when someone presents to the emergency department with community acquired pneumonia or a perforated viscus; however, in other circumstances and when onset is more insidious the diagnosis of sepsis is often missed.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential as each hours delay in administering antibiotics increases risk of death by close to 8% (6). Compliance with international guidelines for the management of sepsis remains low even in countries where the guidelines have been embraced (7;8).

Sepsis occurs as a result of infection, signs suggestive of infection include:

Fever and/or rigors

Hypothermia

Cough, increased sputum production or dyspnoea

Abdominal pain or distension

Dysuria, urinary frequency, odour

New onset confusion or decreased level of consciousness

Recent surgery or invasive procedure with cellulitis or wound infection